President Trump’s cancellation of the CBP One app leaves thousands of migrants stranded at the U.S.-Mexico border, sparking controversy and legal challenges.
Breaking the law has consequences, it turns out.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration ended the CBP One app, canceling appointments for thousands of migrants
- Nearly 1 million people had used the app to legally enter the U.S. since January 2023
- The ACLU and other groups have filed a court challenge against the app’s shutdown
- Migrants at the San Ysidro border are refusing to leave, hoping for their appointments to be honored
- The move aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, including plans to reinstate “Remain in Mexico” policy
Sudden Policy Shift Leaves Migrants in Limbo
In a dramatic shift in immigration policy, the Trump administration has abruptly discontinued the use of the CBP One app, leaving potentially thousands of migrants in a state of uncertainty at the U.S.-Mexico border. The app, which had been used to schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry, was suddenly terminated following President Trump’s inauguration.
The days of open borders are over.
The CBP One app, introduced by the Biden administration, had allowed nearly 1 million people to legally enter the U.S. with work eligibility since January 2023. Its cancellation has effectively ended the right to seek asylum at the border for many, including those fleeing violence and crime in their home countries.
The sudden policy change has left many migrants devastated, with their long-awaited appointments abruptly canceled. Erica Ramirez, who had been waiting for 11 months for her appointment, expressed her determination to stay at the border despite the setback.
“We have been waiting for the appointment for 11 months. We will keep waiting here until we get an appointment,” Erica Ramirez said, per the New York Post.
Similarly, Luis Miguel Alvarez and Adriana Lopez, a young Cuban couple seeking political asylum, had their appointment canceled just an hour after Trump took office. Despite their disappointment, they remain hopeful and emphasize their desire to enter the U.S. legally and contribute positively to society.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have filed a court request challenging the shutdown of the app. This legal action comes as part of a broader resistance to the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to immigration policy.
They will really stop at nothing to ensure our borders stay open…